RAPHAEL CAILLAUD
[originally done in French]
[version originelle]
1. How did you get into sports journalism?
I started off as a sports correspondent when I was 18 (I'm now almost 27) at a nearby newspaper firm in Vendee, on the Atlantic coast. I then negotiated a contract with a journalism school in Paris, the CFPJ, as well as worked at the newspaper Le Maine Libre where I continue to work. I did that for two years (from 2000 to 2002) and since then, have been a professional journalist, always with the sports section at Le Maine Libre.
2. What does your job entail? Do you travel to many tournaments?
My job involves recounting and analysing sporting events which are mostly related to what's happening in Le Mans. But, as I don't just focus on tennis, I only go to the big French tournaments like Roland Garros, Bercy or Lyon. Apart from that, I'm often travelling around France following the premier league football, the first division in basketball (more the European Cup) and motorsport testing, especially MotoGP.
3. France has consistently been one of the top tennis nations in the world. What do you think the reasons for this are?
France has been successful, I think, because it has a very good training programme, unlike in Great Britain, for example. We produce lots of talented players, now often the hardest thing for them is to back up their junior performances on the professional circuit. This can sometimes take a while.
4. Do you know what programmes are in place to maintain and advance this standard?
The programmes are essentially based around centres for young hopefuls where the Federation group together the best players to work with the national coaches. But there are more and more private organisations put in place to help young players, like Lagardere was able to do with Gasquet and Monfils.
5. You know the young, French player, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, personally. How and when did you first meet him?
I met Jo-Wilfried Tsonga some time ago when he was still in his first year of juniors. I follow his results, since he was born in Le Mans. As a matter of fact, he often comes back there.
6. Given his talent and potential, and barring injuries, how do you see his future on the professional circuit?
Tsonga definitely has big potential. He has a strong serve and a very offensive game with a good volley. I think he is especially strong mentally - he's not afraid of anything. Now, after a very encouraging 2003, he's hardly played this season because of back and shoulder injuries...as a result, he's gone down a lot in the rankings (from 135th to 210th currently) and the end of the season will be difficult for him. I think he's capable of climbing back up in 2006, but he'll have to remain injury-free.
7. This year has seen several young French players like Gael Monfils and Richard Gasquet emerge. How do you rate their future prospects?
Gasquet and Monfils have improved out of sight this year and the fact that they were picked for Davis Cup is proof of this. All the same, I think Gasquet is the more talented of the two and his results prove it (Hamburg final, defeating Federer at Monte Carlo, 4th round at Wimbledon and US Open...). He's overcome a mental barrier, the hardest thing now is knowing how to back it up next year. Monfils has also done well, notably winning his first title in Sopot. He likes to display showmanship and often has the crowd on his side. He'll have to win regularly, especially on a concentration level, to become even stronger.
8. Has their rise to fame generated an increased interest in tennis in France?
The arrival of guys such as Gasquet and Monfils has definitely generated more interest in tennis in France. At Roland Garros, their matches were very full. I mean, this sport has always been popular with the general public here, but now even more so with this new generation, who is more spectacular than the last.
